Cardinals lose big in Mulder’s return. Springfield gets a comeback victory. The Swing are shutout. Josh Dew racks up another save and this website gets artsy.

Something I missed, Randy Keisler was DFA’d by the Cardinals. Keisler put together a decent year at Triple A Memphis going 8-10 with a 4.68 ERA. He was 0-0 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 innings. Best of luck to Keisler.

AP Photo/Gannam

Rick Ankiel homered again. Not to be a party pooper, but I want to put things in perspective. Yes, he is hotter than hot and has provided a good boost. But Ankiel’s 7 HRs have been off of pitchers with a combined record of 28-35 and ERA of almost 5 while they have given up 69 HRs in just over 550 innings.

AP Photo/Gannam

Congrats to Albert Pujols on being name the Cardinals’ Roberto Clemente award recipient.

About what you might expect from Mark Mulder. Not as efficient as I had hoped as he gave up 6 runs in only 4 innings. He was inconsistent, with a very good third inning while being really roughed up in the second and fourth. Mulder’s velocity seemed much better than we last saw him in St. Louis. But let’s be realistic, this is his first Major League start in over a year. Let’s hope this is a good foundation upon which to build his comeback.

Game 1 of the Texas League Northern Division Playoffs

Allen Craig from the Springfield News Leader

Springfield 4 Tulsa (Rockies) 3

Game got a late start due to an hour and 50 minute rain delay. The Drillers got out to an early lead in the top of the first thanks to a wet field. The score was 3-1 going into the sixth. Cazani Marti led off with a single. Then Allen Craig comes to the plate and hits a 2-run blast to tie it up. Later in the inning Reid Gorecki reached by a walk. Mark Hamilton singled and Gorecki went from first to third. Gorecki then scored on a wild pitch and that proved to be the game winner.

Mitch Boggs gave up 3 runs but only 1 was earned in 6 innings. Luke Gregerson got the save. Bryan Anderson had a hit and an RBI. Cazani Marti was the only Springfield batter with 2 hits. Colby Rasmus had a single and a walk. Gorecki went hitless but reached base via the walk 3 times.

In the other Texas League game, San Antonio got 3 in the top of the ninth to top Frisco 5-3. The game featured 5 solo HRs.

Game 1 of the Midwest League Playoffs

Tyler Herron from the Swing website

Quad Cities 0 Beloit (Twins) 3

Swing Ace Tyler Herron only got through 3.1 innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits. Michael Schellinger came in and provided great work in relief. Schellinger gave up only 1 hit in 4.2 innings. Kyle Mura pitched an inning of relief. Jose Ramirez had 2 hits and stole a base.

In the other Midwest Playoff game, Cedar Rapids topped Clinton, 4-1.

Batavia 3 Williamsport (Phillies) 1

Nick Addition claimed the victory with 2 scoreless innings of relief. Josh Dew picked up his 15th save with a scoreless ninth. Mike Folli contributed 2 hits and an RBI. Pete Kozma was 1-4 and is hitting .136 since his promotion to Batavia.